Campaigners demand tougher checks after dozens of UK babies recently fell ill from contaminated formula

A recall of multiple brands of infant formula due to contamination with a dangerous toxin exposed major flaws in surveillance, regulation and public communication across UK government bodies, a new report has just found.

This comes after more than 60 batches of infant formula across several brands were recalled worldwide earlier this year because the bacterial toxin cereulide, produced by Bacillus cereus, was identified.

First Steps Nutrition Trust charity has detailed several concerns about how seriously the issue was taken by the UK government and connected agencies in a new report.

There were 61 reports of symptoms consistent with cereulide poisoning among UK children who had consumed the product. However, this number is likely higher as the products may have been on the UK market since May 2025. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued its first warning in January 2026.

Cereulide causes vomiting and other symptoms, including stomach cramping and diarrhoea. Young children are among those at high risk of complications.

The First Steps Nutrition Trust highlighted that UK healthcare professionals and hospitals were only advised to notify suspected cases of cereulide poisoning in February 2026.

To find out more, view the full report here.